Marangu route - Kilimanjaro - 5/6 days

Also known as the "Coca Cola route", the Marangu route is the most popular one leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Approximately 80% of the people trying every year to get to the top uses this way, also called the "tourist" route. Lots of hikers think Marangu route is the easiest one to get to Uhuru peak, since it is the only route that can be done in 5 days. But if you choose it, we still recommend you to do it in 6 days, including one for acclimatization with the objective of successfully reaching the top. The third day on this proposal is planned for a better acclimatization, being invested on going up to the vicinity of Mawenzi crater and back to sleep in Mandara Hut. Those who wish trying get to the top in five days can skip this stage. This is the only route offering shelter for sleeping, at either Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut or Kibo Hut - equipped with beds and mattresses, and where you can also find mineral water, soft drinks, beer and chocolate. The Marangu route uses the same path for the ascent and descent. More experienced mountaineers usually avoid this circuit for being less attractive and busiest, being recommended for people with less experience and training. On the downside, it must be considered that both ascent and descent are made down the same road, which is always duller. The key day of this tour is the fourth where you start walking at night from Kibo Hut to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak at dawn. The climbing of the Kibo crater, as in the Rongai route, is done by Gilman's Point at 5,681 m, from where you can already see the inside crater Reusch. After enjoying the summit we descend to Horombo Hut on the same day.

When to go: The best time to climb Kilimanjaro from the climatological point of view is during the warmest and driest months (January, February and September). June, July and August are also good months, although the weather may be more variable. On the other hand, one must bear in mind that it is at this time is when we find more mountaineers. Machame usually presents an intermediate influx situation, specifically during those periods of higher attendance.

Climate: One of the main reasons for not successfully completing the ascent of Kilimanjaro is the so-called "altitude sickness" that may occur in some people when climbing heights 3,500m above sea level, without allowing time to your body to adapt.
To prevent the possible effects of altitude, we recommend that hikers extend their trip by an extra day. This acclimatization day is invested in taking several walks up and down, thereby accustoming the body to height.
Another possibility for a good acclimatization is to do the Mont Meru climb (4,566m) before climbing Kilimanjaro.

Luggage: It should be noted that porters carry 15 Kg at the most. In case of excess baggage, another porter must be hired, which means an extra cost for the client. This usually happens on very special cases, the extra baggage not necessary for the ascension can be left in the hotel. List of recommended materials to be necessary to be taken on the ascent. Click here for the full list of clothing, equipment and essential documentation.

It includes:

Transportation from the airport or hotel

Entrance fee to the Kilimanjaro National Park according to the length of the route